Celebrities, PBA stars lend Tejada a hand

The Eugene Tejada Celebrity Benefit, sanctioned by the PBA, will be played on September 23 at 4 p.m. at the new San Juan Arena with teams composed of PBA legends, current PBA stars and entertainment celebrities suiting up to raise funds for Tejada’s mounting medical expenses.

The Purefoods forward is currently recuperating from his devastating Mother’s Day injury with his family at the Santa Clara Valley Medical Center in California

A rare public appearance for the new 2006 International Hiphop Champions, the Hip-Hop All -Stars, will be made during half-time break of the event. Other celebrities will also be making personal appearances.

"All proceeds and donations will go to Eugene Tejada’s rehabilitation and treatment," said Chiqui Flowers, one of the organizers. "People may get in touch with the group through [email protected] or [email protected]."

The same evening at 9 p.m., the group will hold an after-party entitles "Step by Step" at Fiamma on Jupiter Street in Makati. During the party, an auction will be held, with original PBA memorabilia, autographed jerseys from past and present PBA stars and basketballs signed by the different PBA teams will be up for bids.

Fans and friends may reach Eugene Tejada through http://www.myspace.com/1049202.

Aside from Flowers, the group, which calls itself "Friends of Genie", is made up of Jeni Hernandez, Sarah Meier-Albano, Jimmy Alapag, LJ Moreno, Harvey Carey, Kalani Ferreria, Anja Noble, Joy Cortez, Samantha Reyes, Robert Johnson, Julie Dela Cruz, Mike Cortez, Tony Dela Cruz, Migs Noble, Rich Hardin, Nats Calinawan, Mon Jose, Manina Jimenez, Banjo Albano, Chris Aldaba, and Mark Africa. — Bill Velasco